DHA hospitals in Dubai suspend non-urgent dental treatments as Covid-19 cases increase

Urgent procedures carried out at select health centres with strict precautionary measures

A Dubai ambulance worker is vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in Dubai.

An older resident receives her first shot at Zabeel Health Centre on December 27, 2020.

The vaccine is expected to be rolled out to all age groups once people in the essential categories have been vaccinated.

A nurse holds a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Dubai's emergency and crisis authority and the federal Ministry of Health.

An employee from Roads and Transport Authority receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai.

A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

The city has six vaccine centres where the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is available.

A man waits to receive the first of two doses at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A vial of the vaccine is seen at Barsha Health Centre. AFP

A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at al-Barsha Health Centre in Dubai. AFP

Dubai Health Authority hospitals and clinics suspended non-urgent dental treatments as Covid-19 cases rise across the country, the emirate's health authority said.

Urgent dental procedures are being carried out at select facilities.

Al Mizhar Health Centre, Nad Al Hamar Health Centre, Al Barsha Health Centre, Al Safa Health Centre, Al Mamzar Health Centre (for children only), Rashid Hospital and Hatta Hospital will accept patients from Sunday to Thursday between 7.30am and 9.30pm.

The procedures are being done with strict preventative measures in place. Staff are being asked to wear “special masks, face shields, gloves and medical gowns that cover the entire body" the DHA said.

“Other measures implemented at the facilities include ensuring physical distancing between customers and comprehensive sterilisation after each patient.

“This is a precautionary measure to protect patients and healthcare personnel from Covid-19 and prevent its spread.”

Last week, hospitals in Dubai were instructed to cancel all non-essential surgery for a month.

The ban will last until February 19, the DHA said.

The emirate later prohibited all live entertainment in hotels and restaurants and limited the number of diners permitted to sit together at one table.

On Tuesday, the UAE announced 3,601 new cases, extending its streak of record infections to 15 days.

The latest daily high brought the country’s tally since the pandemic began to 285,147.

A further 3,890 patients received the all-clear as the recovery total rose to 259,194.

Seven patients died, taking the country’s toll to 805.